In addition, she has written and spoken on joyful living, marriage and family issues, grief, single parenting, and family communication.

A popular speaker at women's and couples' retreats, military bases, educational seminars, business seminars, college chapels, single-parent conferences, and corporate events, Sandra's Kentucky storyteller style has made her a much requested guest on numerous radio and TV shows.

After her husband's death, Sandra raised a 10-year-old son and an 8-year-old daughter. Today, both are happily married and keep their mom well supplied with illustrations.

Sandra holds a master's degree from Eastern Michigan University (and, she says, a "Ph.D. from the School of Hard Knocks"). Her career includes 15 years as a public school teacher in the Detroit area, a stint on the grief counseling team for a funeral home chain, and nine years in Christian ministry that included several years as senior editor of Focus on the Family Magazine.

Sandra's Most Popular Topics Include . . .

Help! I'm a Woman of the New Millennium!
Humor and insight from a veteran whose role as a wife, mother, widow, and career woman have offered plenty of in-the-trenches training.

Heartprints: Making a Difference Right Where You Are

The average woman thinks she isn't doing anything special since she doesn't have a public ministry. But it is often the "little" things that have profound effects.

Bless Your Socks Off
Encouraging words have power to lift spirits, soothe emotions, restore relationships and even change lives. Poignant illustrations and practical suggestions for those who need encouragement - or want to give it.

Grab The Joy
We do have choices in life, including embracing a good attitude allowing us to concentrate on the good things around us.

How Do I Stop This Runaway Train?
Especially popular with those who are feeling overwhelmed by the demands of work and family.

Friends Needed: Matching Shoes Optional
When we think we can't offer advice because we don't "have it all together," we are robbing ourselves of a potentially wonderful experience.

A New Beginning
We don't have to be trapped by life's circumstances. Encouragement, humor, and practical steps for those who need an emotional jump start.

Looking Back: Things I Wish I'd Known When I Was First Married
Ever wish the marriage license came with a warning label? Then you'll enjoy these humorous illustrations and practical suggestions.

Good Grief
The stages of grief - whether from death or divorce - can serve as emotional markers for either those who are bereaved or those who want to help. Children's needs will be addressed.

So You Think You Got On The Wrong Plane
Ever second guess your decisions? Or wished you could rewind the tape of a particular day? Then you'll appreciate the lessons learned from a Chicago flight. The three basic types of guilt are included.

We Are Still A Family
Encouragement and practical advice for single parents establishing new traditions when the family structure changes.

Honey, Hang in There!

If you're looking for advice on how to raise perfect children, this is not it. But if you need encouragement on how to face typical parenting stress, you'll enjoy the humor and practical tips from a veteran mother.

These Are Not The Best Years of Your Life!
Zany stories and no-nonsense advice for young people wading through decisions.

Mentoring: A Fancy Word For The Opportunity To Change A Life
Practical suggestions to make a difference in another's life without disrupting yours.

Sandra, an award-winning writer, is the author or co-author of seventeen books, including:

Honey, Hang In There! Encouragement for Busy Moms (Baker/Revell)

Angel Award: Will I Ever Be Whole Again? (Howard Publishing)

Bless Your Socks Off: Unleashing the Power of Encouragement (Focus on the Family/Tyndale)

Men Read Newspapers, Not Minds ... and other things I wish I'd known when I first married (Tyndale House Publishers)

From One Single Mother to Another (Regal/Gospel Light)

Angel Award: Heartprints: Celebrating the Power of a Simple Touch (WaterBrook)

Sandra's 500-plus articles have appeared in Focus on the Family Magazine, Moody Magazine, Today's Christian Woman and Discipleship Journal, among others.

* * * Please see a more complete book list at bottom of this web page. * * *

What people are saying about Sandra P. Aldrich . . .

"Sandra is one of Dianna's and my favorite people. We have found her encouraging even when she has been in the darkest valleys of life's journey."Jerry Jenkins

Co-author of the Left Behind series

"Grace is what From One Single Mother to Another is all about! Sandra has written eloquently, passionately, and persuasively about God's grace in her own life. Her wonderful humor and heart-tugging stories are sure to offer encouragement to every single mom searching for a little hope"

"After our weekend retreat, all I heard from the women was what a wonderful time they had and what a great speaker Sandra Aldrich is. Her humor, honesty and openness allowed all of us to connect with her. Truly she was God's instrument to refresh each one who attended."

Kathy Lee

Director of Women's Ministries

Second Baptist Church

Houston, Texas

"I have heard Sandra Aldrich several times over the past few years, and I am convinced she ranks among the top two or three speakers on the current circuit. She makes me laugh, she makes me cry and she helps me better understand myself and the issues in my life. Sandra has developed a mastery of relating to her audiences and using wonderful humor while teaching and sharing the truth of a loving God. Her heart for the hurting make her successful in understanding and relating to all types of audiences: women, couples, single parents, grieving persons and young people and anyone who wants to be entertained, taught and challenged all at the same time."

Bobbie Valentine

President Bobbie Valentine Media Consulting, Inc.

(Formerly Executive Producer for Focus on the Family Broadcasting)

Glendora, California

"The women at our Annual Spring Break-Away loved Sandra Aldrich. She was so real, so genuine, so down-to-earth, they could readily identify with her. And she made them laugh a lot, which was great and much needed."

Miriam Duame

Single Parent Ministry Coordinator

Sheridan House Family Ministries

Fort Lauderdale, Florida

"What I look for most in speakers for our conferences are women who are real, who wrestle with life's challenges and opportunities just as you and I do. Women who have a stage presence that draws you into their faith journey in such a way you feel refreshed and relieved that someone else sees God at work in their feelings, fears and challenges. Sandra Aldrich uses her remarkable gifts of speaking and humor to do just that. Men and women come away from Sandra's presentations affirmed in being fellow pilgrims. She laughs easily at herself so we feel free to laugh at ourselves, too. Her authentic, contagious, practical love for Jesus deeply permeates her words, her smile and her everyday life. Workplace people easily identify with Sandra because she daily walks in their shoes."

Mim Pain

Former President and Co-Founder

WorkPlace Influence, Inc.

Colorado Springs, Colorado

"We so enjoyed having Sandra Aldrich as one of our main speakers at this year's retreat. She brought so much into each presentation - inspiration, depth, encouragement, relevance and humor. And always, her heart for God shines through."

Pat McCoy

California Women's Retreat

Walnut Creek, California

"It is my great pleasure to recommend Sandra P. Aldrich as a speaker. She spent a laughter-filled day with us at our Annual Fall Celebration. With her stories, humor and tender wisdom from her years of walking with Jesus, Sandra was a key part in meeting our goals of encouraging and building up our women. Sandra was also a joy to work with in planning details, reviewing logistics and being flexible to our particular conditions."

Caroline L. Reid

Director of Women's Ministries

First Presbyterian Church

Bakersfield, California

"It is with great pleasure that I recommend Sandra P. Aldrich to as a possible speaker. I have been in association with Sandra since 1990 as she has spoken to single parents throughout North America and into Canada on behalf of Focus on the Family. Sandra is articulate and extremely sensitive to the needs of those she is addressing. Her caring spirit and transparency is appreciated and recognized by all."